Physicians, pharmacists, and dentists’ knowledge and attitudes toward the use of electronic cigarettes

Abstract

Background: E-cigarettes (e-cigs) are typically promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, particularly through social media platforms. E-cigs smoking is spreading at a high rate among young adults. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of e-cigs usage among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in Jordan, as well as to investigate their knowledge and attitudes concerning e-cigs use. Methods: Eligible participants were asked to answer an electronic cross-sectional questionnaire. A total of 532 online questionnaires were completed. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess HCPs’ knowledge and attitudes regarding e-cigs use. Results: Approximately 16.9 % of HCPs were e-cigs ever users. According to the multivariate analysis, HCPs who used conventional cigarettes were 7.3 times more likely to use e-cigs (p-value<0.001). Being a male was 2.8 times more likely than a female to have ever used e-cigs (p-value = 0.008). Those who lived alone were 3 times more likely to use e-cigs than those who lived with relatives or friends (p-value = 0.007). Furthermore, being exposed to e-cigs’ secondhand smoke from a family member (p-value = 0.038), friend (p-value = 0.008) or roommate (p-value = 0.008) increased the likelihood of being an e-cigs ever-user. HCPs stated that they hadn't received adequate education regarding e-cigs during college study. Conclusions: The study's outcomes have uncovered the need for educational interventions to promote HCPs comfort upon dealing with e-cigs use. Moreover, there is a further need to focus on substance use education, including e-cigs, in health schools.

Keywords

• E-cigarettes
• Healthcare providers
• Smoking
• Jordan